Centre for Migration Studies

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An Analysis of Children’s Concerns in Migration Legal Instruments in Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2012-07) Agoe, P.A.
Migration has become a phenomenon that affects the lives of many people today. Children are affected as well in diverse ways by migration. Most countries lack comprehensive policies on migration which can harness its gains for mutual benefits and reduce its negative impacts. Meanwhile, migration has become a major process in many populations, including Ghana’s. Children have also been participating in migration in various ways; as independent migrants, as moving along with migrating parents or other adults and as left behind by their migrant parents. It is against the background that migration laws and other instruments do not often have perspectives of children considered that the present study examined how existing laws in Ghana related to migration have concerns, if any of children. Ghana was the first country to have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), yet there are serious situations that threaten their rights and wellbeing such as the negative effects of migration that are probably not addressed with policies or legal instruments. Other situations of migration also make them vulnerable to separation from families, exploitation and abuse. Meanwhile, the Millennium Summit of the UN held in 2000 adopted eight goals popularly known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); and most target children. The present study examined the following laws (legal instruments), The Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), The Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591), The Refugee Law, 1992 (PNDCL 305D) and The Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), and the finding show that it is The Human Trafficking Act, 2005 that explicitly mentions children and their concerns. The study argues that it is important that migration laws and policies have concerns of children considered. Children should be specifically mentioned in them and their needs adequately provided.
Migration and Changing Food Habit Among Ghanaian Migrant in London
(University of Ghana, 2012-12) Agyekum, R.; Budu, A.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, Centre for Migration Studies
Migration and food habits are two areas with commanding interest and analysis in contemporary society. There are often many new experiences to deal with when arriving in a new country. In addition to coming to terms with a different monetary system, social stratification, language and also changing in food habits. Emigrants tend to miss their country, specific food and dishes and their taste for their traditional food following migration and together with many other aspects, the food habits change either voluntary or involuntary. The objective of this study is to investigate how migration has changed the food habits of Ghanaian migrants in London. A survey research was adopted for this study. Open and close ended questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was administered to the respondents in London. Total population for the study was 100, consisting of male and female Ghanaian migrants lived in London from the period of 5 to 20 years above. The main finding of the study was that there was a change in food habits among the Ghanaian migrants due to socio-economic factors such as availability of migrants native food, accessibility which can be due to limited market for the food as well as how affordable these Ghanaian foods were and socio-cultural factors. The study concluded that findings of the research remain important to dietary and health implications, hence the need to tailor research findings through effective dissemination to the respondents. The study therefore recommended that migrants should be encouraged to retain their best aspects of the diet of their homeland and embraced the best foods and food habits of their host country as this could be achieved with incorporation of traditional food habits into dietary guidelines of the respondents.
Labour Mobility and Development among the Dagaaba (Dagara) of the Nandom Traditional Area
(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Claver, Z.P.; Badasu, D.
This study examined labour migration and associated development in the Nandom Traditional Area. The objective of the study was to find out whether labour migration is an option for improved livelihoods and development in the Nandom Traditional Area. Both returned migrants at Nandom and migrants at destination, Accra were interviewed. The field work was undertaken in two areas, namely Accra Metropolis and Nandom District. Mixed research method was used. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. A questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide were the instruments used for the study. A total of 40 returned migrants and 14 migrants at destination were interviewed at Nandom and Accra respectively. The study found out that Dagaaba labour migrants migrate due to various reasons such as poverty, lack of jobs especially the off farming season, lack of social facilities and infrastructure among others and labour migration generally has positive effects on household’s livelihood in Nandom due to the inflow of remittances. It was observed from the study that, policy makers on migration and livelihood tend to ignore the agricultural labour migration especially during off-farming period as a critical issue in development planning. The study also recommends that government should consider irrigation in the area to curb labour migration during the dry season. Improved infrastructure, in terms of health facilities, roads, schools, potable water will help bridge the gaps in development between Nandom and the destination area Accra and other potential ones in other parts of Ghana which usually attract the youth. This is because the loss of human resources from the area as a result of migration does not seem to be compensated by the benefits of migration. The departure of the youth affects their livelihoods positively. Results of the study revealed that migrants were predominantly males, with a relatively smaller but increasing number of women over the years. Based on the findings, the study argues for the introduction of more poverty reduction strategies in the area that will reduce the incidence of migration in the area.
Migration and Gender Relations among Migrants in Madina
(University of Ghana, 2013-07) University of Ghana, A.A.; Awumbila, M.
Public interest in migration has been on the increase in response to a shift in perceptions on migration among other factors. Migration research has since the 1980s increasingly acknowledged and highlighted a wide range of issues related to one of the key features of contemporary migration flows. They indicate that in the area of destination, migration can have great impact on the gender roles performed by both males and females. Moreover, role reversal usually hurts the ego of males, which may lead them to react in a violent behavior towards their partners. However, recent attention has been given to children and wives left behind with little focus on the family in general. The present study aimed to fill this gap by exploring the influence of migration on gender relation/roles among migrant couples. Fifteen interviewees from Madina, Accra - a migrant community participated in the study. The findings indicate that most of the couples before migration were involved in their traditional gender roles which were breadwinning roles and household headship among the males while the women were also involved in domestic work and social reproduction. However, after migration, some of the men said their traditional roles had changed and that they have now perform roles such as washing, cleaning and cooking. Again, some respondents also said that these changes in roles have created tensions and frictions in their relationships. The study recommends that concrete efforts should be tailored towards educating migrants prior to migration to alert them on the changes and uncertainties of migration.
Reducing Rural-Urban Migration through Local Economic Development. A Case Study of Sankpala Community in the Central Gonja District of the Northern Region
(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Darko, D.K.; Boakye-Yiadom, L.
The pre- colonial development gap between the North and the South still persists even though there havebeen several attempts by governmental and non-governmental interventions to bridge the gap. This has created a net migration of Northern youth to the South for menial jobs. The movement of people to urban centres poses some challenges to the development of rural areas in that in most rural areas, the impact of rural-urban migration is the rapid deterioration of the rural economy which then leads to poverty and food insecurity. The 1992 constitution empowers the District Assemblies to provide governance at the local level, especially in communities, and to help in the economic development of the people by formulating and implementing strategic plans to bring about total economic development in their various Districts. Promoting the welfare of rural people is at the heart of the local government. One of the key components of the National Decentralization Policy and Action Plan is that it providesfor district assemblies to facilitate economic development at the local level.is Local Economic Development (LED). This study attempts to identify various ways LED can contribute to reducing the North-South migration in Ghana using the Sankpala community in the Central Gonja District of the Northern Region of Ghana as a case study. One hundred questionnaires were administered in the community while for the community youth leader, the Regional planning office, and the district planning office in- depth interview were conducted. Results show generally that the concept of LED has not caught on well with the district assembly. However, respondent were of the view that if LED was fully implemented rural-urban migration is likely to reduce considerably. It was recommended that the Government speeds up implementation of the SADA programme and also build the capacities of district assembly staff on LED.
Effects of Rural-Urban Migration on Children Left Behind by the Migrants. A Case Study of Ningo-Prampram District in the Greater Accra Region
(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Appianing, S.; Badasu, D.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, Centre for Migration Studies
This study was designed to investigate the effects of rural–urban migration on the migrant children left behind. A cross sectional study where data was collected using two structured questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the study participants and these included eighty (80) children whose parents have migrated from the rural areas to the urban areas in Ghana and forty (40) Caregivers / relatives who attended to these children in the absence of their parents. Data on demographics, living arrangements, effects of migration on educational performance, psychological effects on children were collected from the children aged 15-17years. The findings of this study show that in the Ghanaian context the effects of parental migration on children whether desirable or undesirable depends on other socio- economic factors- pull and push. Majority (50%) of both parents have migrated. Few fathers (10%) and 40% of mothers have migrated separately to the urban centres. Majority (71.25%) of the children said the absence of their parents does not deteriorate their academic performance. The care takers/relatives said though the migrants left because of lack of employment opportunities in the rural areas, they (migrants) are unable to send enough remittances for the upkeep of the children while 20% of the migrants do not send remittances at all home. It also came out that the income of the migrants has improved from 15% to 85 %. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that parental migration and the consequent parent-child separation do not necessarily affect the living arrangement, positioning and attendance of the children’s education adversely if the left-behind children are in the care of caregivers who provide them with the needed care and guidance. In view of this, the Ghanaian family values which encourage child care by all society and family members, and not just biological parents should be upheld and sustained. However, there is the need for care givers especially the educated ones to take the children education seriously by assisting them in their school assignments. Also, the care givers should monitor the children well by attitudes like high tempers, alcohol intake and decision making on their own which will help to know the challenges they face to support them early to avoid further problems.
Livelihood and Survival Strategies of Migrant Transport Apprentices. A Case Study of 'Tro-tro' Mates in Accra
(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Buckman, P.; Dankwah, A.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, Centre for Migration Studies
This dissertation explores the livelihood experiences and survival strategies of tro-tro driver mates in Tema station, Accra. Tro-tro driver mates are teenagers or young men who assist tro-tro drivers‘ enroute short or long distance travels in mini-buses in Ghana. Many of them are migrants who are believed to have come from other regions of Ghana and have come to settle in Accra to find a better life in the city. As migrants, there is the need to study them to understand the nature of their job, livelihoods experiences and how they are able to cope with challenges on their job. The main objective of this study is to find out the livelihood and survival strategies of tro-tro driver mates in Accra. . The fieldwork was carried out at the Tema station in Accra. Purposive sampling was used to select 50 participants. Data was collected through the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods that include; Surveys, informal interviews, and observation The data gathered was discussed and analysed using SPSS and QSR NVivo approach. The study revealed diverse findings that were interesting and significant. First, it was revealed that, origin of the tro-tro driver mates are between the ages of 15 to 17 years and mostly of Akan followed by Ewe origin. They have had some level of basic primary education and work on an average 17 hours a day. The driver mates earn about GH¢20.00 a day and their main motivation for migrating is ‗to make money‘ to continue education, learn how to drive to earn a better livelihood or state up a trade. Finally, it was discovered through the secondary and primary literature(s) that there were significant differences in income patterns between the kayayei and the tro-tro driver mates but both of them faced a barrage of verbal abuse from their clients; that is buyers or traders and passengers.
The Effects Of Rural-Urban Migration On Children Left-Behind By The Migrants: A Case Study Of Ningo -Prampram District In The Greater Accra Region
(University of Ghana, 2013-07) Appiahning, S.
This study was designed to investigate the effects of rural–urban migration on the migrant children left behind. A cross sectional study where data was collected using two structured questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the study participants and these included eighty (80) children whose parents have migrated from the rural areas to the urban areas in Ghana and forty (40) Caregivers / relatives who attended to these children in the absence of their parents. Data on demographics, living arrangements, effects of migration on educational performance, psychological effects on children were collected from the children aged 15-17years. The findings of this study show that in the Ghanaian context the effects of parental migration on children whether desirable or undesirable depends on other socio- economic factors- pull and push. Majority (50%) of both parents have migrated. Few fathers (10%) and 40% of mothers have migrated separately to the urban centres. Majority (71.25%) of the children said the absence of their parents does not deteriorate their academic performance. The care takers/relatives said though the migrants left because of lack of employment opportunities in the rural areas, they (migrants) are unable to send enough remittances for the upkeep of the children while 20% of the migrants do not send remittances at all home. It also came out that the income of the migrants has improved from 15% to 85 %. From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that parental migration and the consequent parent-child separation do not necessarily affect the living arrangement, positioning and attendance of the children’s education adversely if the left-behind children are in the care of caregivers who provide them with the needed care and guidance. In view of this, the Ghanaian family values which encourage child care by all society and family members, and not just biological parents should be upheld and sustained. However, there is the need for care givers especially the educated ones to take the children education seriously by assisting them in their school assignments. Also, the care givers should monitor the children well by attitudes like high tempers, alcohol intake and decision making on their own which will help to know the challenges they face to support them early to avoid further problems.
Perceptions and Experiences of Dormaa Ahenkro Youth on Migration to Western Europe through the Sahara Desert
(University of Ghana, 2013-12) Obeng, G. Y.; Asare, B. E.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, Centre for Migration Studies
The study determined the perceptions and experiences of Dormaa Ahenkro youth migrants on migration to Western Europe through the Sahara Desert. Specific objectives assessed centered on the reasons why Dormaa Ahenkro youth migrate to Western Europe through the Sahara Desert, the experiences Dormaa Ahenkro youth migrants go through on the Sahara Desert, the perceptions towards Dormaa Ahenkro youth migrants at their destinations and when they return. The challenges they encountered on the Sahara Desert en route to Western Europe were also investigated. A simple random sampling procedure was applied in the selection of respondents after the list of returnees was obtained from the Association of Returnees in Dormaa Ahenkro. Purposive sampling was applied in the selection key informants for in-depth interviews. Questionnaires were designed in sections according to the objectives for the quantitative aspect while key informant interview guide was designed for the key informants. Applying descriptive statistics with the use of tables, graphs, mean deviations and cross tabulations to display the data, findings showed that Dormaa Ahenkro youth faced horrific challenges such as dying of thirst, hunger and abuse by immigration authorities. They also faced some racial abuse and were perceived as criminals. However, they usually migrate mainly because of economic reasons. A number of recommendations were raised including the provision of employment opportunities, establishing bilateral agreements and improving border security.
Economic Livelihoods of Refugees in Krisan, Western Region of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2014) Manteaw, Gifty; Boakye-Yiadom, L.
In recent years, the protracted nature of refugee camps across the world has caused a shift from humanitarian food aid supply to self-reliance which is considered to be a more durable solution for refugees to have a more dignified and sustainable livelihood. The refugees in the Krisan camp have extreme difficulties making adequate livelihoods within the camp as well as outside the camp due to a range of factors such as an inability to earn adequate economic wages and outright unemployment. The study set out to determine the existence of alternative strategies used by refugees at the Camp to provide for their daily economic livelihoods, analyse the composition of these strategies, and determine the extent to which these strategies meet the needs of the refugees in the camp. The study sought to investigate the problem as a social phenomenon within frameworks such as the Self-Reliance Policy and the Sustainable Livelihood Framework. With the case study approach, employing qualitative methods such as focus group discussions, observations and in-depth interviews as well and quantitative methods based on questionnaires administered to a randomly selected sample of sixty households heads as respondents, I collected data for analysis by the survey which also covered purposively sampled officials of relevant institutions. The following findings were made; the refugees have taken to economic activities such as fish net drawing and mongering, charcoal burning, hair dressing, etc. as alternative livelihood strategies to survive. Networking within the camp determines the level of success at the camp in terms of survival, support (both physical and emotional), and level of income. Also, the economy at the camp is closed and sub divided into enclaves by country of origin which further reduces the size of the market for a particular refugee with a particular skill. There is a high level of illiteracy at the camp which seems to explain refugees’ non-participation in the formal sector of the economy. Although the observed standard of living was low, there was no evidence of malnourishment. Upon the findings made, it is recommended that exceptions should be made for vulnerable refugees such as the aged, nursing mothers, the sick and new arrivals from the Self-Reliance policy. There should be greater diversification of training programs to suit the individual needs of the refugees. There should be some intervention by government and the local authorities to give backing to the refugees so as to enable them participate in the local economy.
Social Integration of Builsa Migrants in Maamobi and Shukura
(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Agilinko, F.; Yaro, J. A.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, Centre for Migration Studies
There has been adequate studies on the social integration of international migrants at their destination but less attention has been dedicated to the area of internal migrants and their social integration in Africa as a whole and Ghana in particular. It was against this background that the present study set out to investigate and examine how migrants are socially integrated in Ghana with the emphasis on Builsa migrants in Accra. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches with questionnaires and in-depth interviews as the main instruments of the data collection. Only participants who lived in these suburbs for not less than three years and were above 18 years were selected regardless of their social and professional status. The findings of the study showed that, the main motive for migration is employment. On the whole the Builsa migrants are peacefully coexisting with other migrants at the destination and have not encountered serious forms of discrimination from their neighbors most of whom are also migrants. It also emerged that the informal support systems such as the hometown associations helped in the social integration of the respondents amidst the apathy from the educated and the relatively younger respondents. It also came out that those who could speak other languages apart from Buli integrated better than those who could speak only Buli. However, most of the respondents bemoaned the overt manner in which their children are integrating because they have been influenced by the outside trappings of their environment. Another challenge identified was that of lose of identity due to indoctrination. From the emerging findings so far, it can thus be concluded that Ghanaians still have respect for one another since they try to share similar socio-cultural practices and fit into a common environment. It is recommended therefore that, the Ghanaian value system which encourages good neighborliness‘ no matter where one comes from should be upheld and strengthened to ensure a more comprehensive inter-ethnic collaboration for national development while working to identify all internal migrants in the cities in order to provide the needed support for them.
Trading Activities of Chinese Migrants in the Central Business District (Cbd) of Accra.
(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Ajavon, J.; Darkwah, A.
This study investigated the impact of the Ghanaian investment law on the operations of Chinese trading activities, especially in the wake of protest by the Ghanaian traders leading to the amendment of the law, which now makes engagement in trading in the central business district by foreigners more stringent. Despite the amendment of the law, some of the local traders are still having issues with the presence of the Chinese traders in the market. The study sought to examine the impact of the amended GIPC Act (865), 2013 on the Chinese traders in the central business area of Accra. Five Chinese immigrant traders as well as six Ghanaian traders at the Okaishie market were interviewed. Officials from the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Ghana Immigration Service, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry were also interviewed. The study revealed that the amendment of the GIPC Act (865), 2013, has had very little effect on the operations of the Chinese traders. This is because the Ghanaian Union of Traders Association is divided into supporters and opponents groups. The supporters group are prepared to protect the interest of the Chinese traders even though their presence contravene Ghanaian investment laws more especially because, according to them, the Chinese offer them jobs which makes it possible for them to eke out a living. Prior to the arrival of the Chinese traders, very few Ghanaian could afford to buy from the minority trading group but the Chinese sell their goods at competitive prices and even gave discount to them at times. The study recommended, among other things, that GIPC Act (865), 2013, must be enforced to the letter and foreigners must be made to respect the laws of Ghana in as much as they are investors and Ghana needs investments.
Factors Associated with Return Migration in Wa Municipal in the Upper West Region.
(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Tenkorang, J.A.; Codjoe, S.N.A.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities Centre for Migration Studies
Internal migration in Ghana has attracted a great deal of research attention and inspired by demographers and other social scientists. This is attributed to the implication that the movement can pose on the economy. People of the savannah regions of Ghana have had a long history of movement into other part of the country. Some of the reasons accounting for this phenomenon can be traced to different ecological zones in Ghana. As a result, people move from these areas into other part of the region in search of jobs. In certain part of the year especially in the dry seasons, movement of man-power labour from the savannah into other region increases. The Upper West Region has been the leader in net-migration in Ghana according to the 2010 Population and Housing Census and Wa Municipal its capital is no exception. Return migration is an important part in the study of migration. This is because it can replace the loss of man-power labour deficit of emigration regions. The study looks into what accounted for the return migrants leaving Wa. It also investigates the factors associated with return migration into the Wa Municipality. Finally, this study looks into re-integration among the return migrants, migration and improved living standard and remittances. This study goes ahead to suggest recommendation for policy formulation in the Wa Municipal and other part of savannah Ghana.
Child Migration to Island Communities, Along the Volta Lake of Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2014-07) Osei Tutu, S.K.; Kwankye,S.O.; University of Ghana ,College of Humanities , Centre for Migration Studies
Child migration has existed for several decades globally and Ghana is of no exception. Even though this phenomenon has received research attention and has become one of the most researched areas in Ghana, most of the studies have largely focused on child rural-urban migration and their activities and experiences in the major cities of Ghana. It is against this background that, this study sought to find out how child migrants in some Island communities in the Volta Region of Ghana get to their destination, the experiences they go through and the effects it has on the child migrant in relation to their education. The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches involving 60 respondents which included rescued child migrants, teachers, biological parents who responded to questionnaires and in-depth interviews for data collection for the study. SPSS was used to descriptively analyse the data and the results were presented in tables and figure. The study found that the migrant children are engaged in fishing and cattle herding. Although the initial monetary token given to the parents according to most mothers was used as seed money for their petty trading and as a means for the biological parents to solve their own economic and social challenges, the more than half of rescued child migrants described their condition with their foster parents as bad due to the maltreatment they received. With regards to education, most of the children said there were no schools on the islands. Also, the study shows that rescued child migrants attach seriousness to learning at both study areas. The study on child migration found out that, all the forms of work performed by these child migrants interfere with their education and development. The kind of work that, the child migrants are engaged in prevents them from pursuing their education, makes them to be treated like slaves, deprives them of good nutrition, adequate rest and exposes them to being beaten by foster parents. These adverse kinds of conditions child migrants are exposed to, should be discouraged.
Oil Discovery, In-Migration and Infrastructural Challenges in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis
(University Of Ghana, 2014-07) Takyiwa, J.A
The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of oil discovery on in-migration and the consequent infrastructural challenges in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The targeted and accessible population for the study included the residents, workers and key informants in Sekondi-Takoradi and the officials of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA). Through convenient sampling method forty (40) residents and workers in the area, representing 80% of the sample and ten (10) STMA officials and other officials of the utilities companies, representing the remaining 20%, were selected for the study. This gave a total sample of fifty (50). The research instrument used to collect the needed data for the study was the interview technique. Qualitative research approach was used for this study. It came out from the study that the oil discovery in the area had some impact on migration of people into the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The increased population in the area posed some infrastructural challenges in relation to increased demand for housing, high cost of rent, high cost of land, fall in the quality of utility services and increased traffic jam. Recommendations made at the end of the study included the need for the central government to set aside some of the oil fund for the development of the oil producing communities including the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis that suffer some negative consequences (such as in-migration and infrastructural challenges) of the oil find. It was also recommended that the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly should adequately staff its planning department with the requisite planning officers in order to ensure speedy provision of their services to clients who want to put up buildings to address the housing deficit in the metropolis.
Foreign Students Mobility to Ghana: Motivations and Implications
(University of Ghana, 2015-06) Frempong, A.K.; Kandilige, L.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities Centre for Migration Studies
Education is increasingly seen by governments as a major contributor to national wealth and economic development. Foreign students undertaking studies in a country other than their own is on the increase and has become a dominant phenomenon. Significant numbers of studies focus on the movement of foreign students from developing and emerging economies into developed ones. This study, however, examines the reasons and factors that influence foreign students’ mobility from developed and emerging economies to Ghana for studies, with the University of Ghana as a case study. The data collection process was performed using mixed methods. My study finds that among others, programme and duration of study constitute the major motivating factors for foreign students selecting Ghana as a destination of choice. This refers to a situation whereby different methodologies that is both qualitative and quantitative are integrated in the same research In addition, peace and stability in the country and Ghana’s rich cultural heritage are cited by foreign students as pull factors in their migration decision making processes. Among others, the study concludes that opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges shape the migration trajectories of the foreign students more than their perception of the level of socio-economic development of the destination country. While the majority of the literature has provided a lens on the benefits of study abroad from the student perspective, international competition between countries for foreign students has become increasingly important to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence foreign students’ decision on study destination. Invariably, this literature examines the internationalization and globalization of higher education with the associated patterns and trends, the existing evidence of foreign student mobility across international borders with specific focus on Ghana and the determinants of such movements. In light of this, the University of Ghana might need to consider the recommended actions and practical implications to formulate their marketing strategy to meet the target students more effectively. Overall, this study contributes to improve the understanding of the various factors that underpin students’ decision with regards to choosing a study destination.
Children in Migration and Migration Policy: The Ghanaian Context
(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Asare, A.A; Badasu, M.D; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, Centre for Migration Studies
Globally, there have been concerns about child migration, wellbeing and holistic child protection policy to address and protect migrant children. However, there is no comprehensive national migration policy managing migration in Ghana; hence it is being managed by different policies and legislations. The present study examined the policies and legal instruments that are directly and indirectly related to child migration in Ghana. The general objective was to examine how these policies have facilitated child migration and the implications of such policies on child migrants and children left behind in Ghana. The specific objectives were to describe and analyze the legal documents, laws and policies on migration that affect children. It also explored how some of them address issues of migration concerning children as well as examined the role that some state and international organizations play in protecting child migrants. The study also analyzed the challenges faced by policy implementers in protecting these children among others. Several policies and legal frameworks were selected and analyzed for the study. The study selected relevant policies and legal frameworks out of a pool that Ghana has on child migration. These included the Children's Act of 1998, Act 560, the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Human Trafficking Act of 2005, Act 694 among others. Sections and Chapters of these legal frameworks address issues on child migration. The major findings of the study indicate that there are various migration related policies that protect children, but not a comprehensive single policy to protect migrant children. The study found out that, although there are benefits in migration for children, policies are often meant to address risks and negatives associated with child migration. Most of the policies sought among its objectives to prevent or address issues related to child migrant. The study made some recommendations that all laws and policies on migration that address child migrants should be reviewed and condensed into a comprehensive framework for addressing child migration in Ghana. This could be placed in the National Migration Policy when it is revised in the future. Another is a stronger political commitment on the part of government to support international organizations, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and others who address problems faced by child migrants. By this approach, the benefits of migration to children will eventually benefit the country.
A Political Economy Analysis of Ghana’s School Feeding Programme
(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Afrane, O.O; Alidu, S.M; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, Centre for Migration Studies
The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) was introduced as strategic policy to improve the income of beneficiary communities, increase school enrolment and retention and for the achievement of the MDG 2 by the year 2015. In spite of the good intentions of the GSF programme however, it has been bedeviled with a myriad of challenges. Few examples of the challenges identified were; the lack of strict adherence to the carefully written original policy document of the GSFP; the partial payment and delay in payment for the services of caterers; and the banning of the monitoring and evaluation team from doing their work in certain districts due to the powerful role of some political appointees such as the District Chief Executives (DCE‟s) in the implementation of the programme. It was therefore against this background of challenges that the study sought to ascertain how the beneficiaries of GSFP in the Bosomtwe District of Ashanti Region understand the Actors; Institutions and Ideas that pertain to the implementation of the programme and its realization of the MDG 2. A Political Economy Analysis Framework was employed for the study and literature related to political economy and the subject matter was reviewed to reflect on the objectives. A descriptive and explorative survey design was employed in the study. The findings suggested that beneficiaries have little or no idea about the original policy objectives of the GSFP in relation to the actors, institutions and ideas and why certain key political appointees are selected to manage the programme. However, it was also revealed in the findings that the achievement of the universal primary education by the end of 2015 will be difficult to achieve if not impossible. It is strongly recommended that policy makers should include beneficiary communities in the part of the consultation processes in the uptake of a social intervention programme. The study also recommend that the programme is sustain in order to ensure that children are kept in school especially girl child.
Effects of the Single Spine Salary Structure on Migration Intentions of Health Professionals in the Accra Metropolis
(University Of Ghana, 2015-07) Boadi, J. A.; Setrana, M.; University Of Ghana, College of Humanities, Centre for Migration Studies
Emigration of health professionals in Ghana has been a serious challenge to all successive governments and stakeholders in the health sector. In attempt to battle this emigration canker, governments have introduced policies and measures including the following; Additional Duty Hours Allowance (ADHA), Health Sector Salary Scheme (HSSS), Deprived Area Incentives as well as Vehicle Ownership Scheme. In the year 2010, the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) was introduced to cushion all public sector workers especially health professionals. However all these measures and policies appear not to solve the problem for which it was introduced. The aim of this study therefore is to examine how the introduction of the current wage dispensation (SSSS) is impacting on the migration intentions of health professionals in Accra metropolis. Data was gathered through the administration of 90 questionnaires, involving 74 nurses and 16 doctors and in-depthinterviews conducted with 4 nurses, 3 doctors and 3 hospital administrators. Analysis of the sex composition of the health professionals shows that a little over 74 % of the health professionals were females. The ages of the health professionals ranged from 28 years to 65 years. In respect of migration intentions, this study shows that 70 % had intended to migrate within the next ten years. The result further shows that the United Kingdom, United States and Canada are the preferred destinations of the health professionals. More than half (52.1 %) of the health professionals intend to emigrate within the next five years. Reasons cited for migrating from the country included financial considerations and the desire for higher learning or skills and to experience life abroadFinally, it was realized that despite the fact that some health professionals are better off under the SSSS, most of them however declared their intentions to migrate irrespective of the impact of the single spine pay policy on their salaries. This therefore implies that, the SSSS is insignificant to a large extent on the migration intentions of health professionals in the Accra metropolis. It is therefore recommend that more health training institutions should be built to absolve more doctors and nurses. Again a further increase in salaries and allowances as well as better conditions of service should be ensured to motivate them to stay and work in the country.
Migrating Under the USA Diversity Visa Programme: Intentions and Motivations of University of Ghana Students
(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Adusei, S. A.; Anarfi, J. K.; Asare, B.; University of Ghana, College of Humanities, Centre for Migration Studies
This study sets out to examine the migration intentions of university of Ghana students with respect to the USA Diversity Visa Lottery Program (DVLP). The study investigates the determining factors of migration intentions of students, drawing on their intention to participate in the DVLP. The study employed a methodological triangulation in data collection: a survey of 125 respondents and 7 in-depth interviews (5 students and 2 former University of Ghana students, resident in the USA through winning the DV program). The study draws on Lee‟s Push-Pull framework to show the pathway to the migration intentions of students. Overall, the study revealed that majority of University of Ghana students (71%) have intention to migrate from Ghana. The factors that motivate their intention to migrate are largely due to economic considerations; key among them is the search for employment opportunity. Beside this, is the desire of students to pursue their study abroad. The study finds out that students‟ assurance of securing employment upon completion of their study is a significant predictor of their migration intentions. That is, if a student is assured of getting a job here in Ghana upon completion of university education, then it is less likely that the student would intend to migrate abroad. The study finds out that a great majority of students (89%) know about the US Diversity Visa programme where more than half of them intend to participate in the program. Their intention to participate in the program is underlined by their expectations of securing employment and educational opportunities in the USA. The study reveals that although sections of the migration literature describe the migration of highly educated as a brain drain to sending countries, majority of university students see it as a survival strategy to mainly escape unemployment and also better their life including the pursuit of higher education abroad. Majority of students who could not have secured employment in Ghana and contributed to the development of the country could have employment and educational opportunity abroad and be able to meaningfully contribute to development through remittances as in the case of two participants of the study in the USA. The study therefore recommends that since the economy of Ghana cannot absorb all university graduates, creating a backlog of unemployed graduates in the country, policymakers should facilitate the migration of the excess labour to developed countries that can absorb them into their economy. Government of Ghana could therefore liaise with the USA and other developed countries such as Canada, Australia and Norway that may need such category of labour. This would enable migrants under this program to contribute meaningfully to Ghana‟s development by supporting their family through remittance and also importantly, reduce unemployment in the country.

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